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Matei Calinescu Quotes

Kitsch lends itself to a definition in terms of a systematic attempt to fly from daily reality: in time and in space.

Kitsch lends itself to a definition in terms of a systematic attempt to fly from daily reality: in time and in space.

Matei Calinescu
Reality, Space, Definitions

While a forgery illegally exploits the elitist taste for rarity, a kitsch object insists on its anti elitist availability. The deceptive character of kitsch does not lie in whatever it may have in common with actual forgery but in its claim to supply its consumers with essentially the same kinds and qualities of beauty as those embodied in unique or rare and inaccessible originals.

Matei Calinescu
Lying, Character, Unique

A real Rembrandt hung in a millionaire's home elevator would undoubtedly make for kitsch.

Matei Calinescu
Real, Home, Kitsch
Matei Călinescu (1987). “Five Faces of Modernity: Modernism, Avant-garde, Decadence, Kitsch, Postmodernism”, p.236, Duke University Press

Don't we all have an itch for kitsch?

Matei Calinescu
Kitsch
Matei Călinescu (1987). “Five Faces of Modernity: Modernism, Avant-garde, Decadence, Kitsch, Postmodernism”, p.234, Duke University Press

Kitsch may be conveniently defined as a specifically aesthetic form of lying.

Matei Calinescu
Lying, May, Kitsch
Matei Călinescu (1987). “Five Faces of Modernity: Modernism, Avant-garde, Decadence, Kitsch, Postmodernism”, p.229, Duke University Press

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